Words by Smiley Team
As the largest event for the climate and nature ever seen by the UK, the Great Big Green Week will kick off with thousands of workshops, talks and more from 18 to 26 September. Some of the UK’s leading environmental groups have organised the event, including the RSPB and the Fairtrade Foundation.
The celebration of community-based climate action will include a wealth of activities. Participants can enjoy art installations and live music. They can learn from climate cafes and cooking lessons, and participate in over 2,500 events hosted by farmers, teachers, bus drivers and anyone who cares about the survival of life on Earth.
[Read more: 'Losing our mango orchard inspired me to protect our planet']
“The main name for the Green Week is really to demonstrate the unity of lots of different kinds of individuals and organisations across the UK,” explains Adam Gardner, head of campaigns for the Fairtrade Foundation, one of the organisations involved in organising the event.
Spread out across the country, it will take place in over 700 different locations. Those interested in attending events near them can search the interactive map on the event website, or sign up for more information.
“The week will help communities come together in their local areas to really make the case for strong climate action, as we approach the COP26 climate summit in Glasgow this year,” Adam adds.
To mark the occasion in Scotland, Stop Climate Chaos Scotland is holding a Climate Fringe Week, which will promote all the different ways people can get involved in climate activism leading up to COP26.
In his role at the Fairtrade Foundation, Adam works alongside farmers from around the world who are on the frontline of the climate crisis. He says: “When we have big challenges and things to achieve like limiting global warming to under 1.5 degrees, the only way it can be achieved is through joint effort and through community.
“There are so many examples of community groups across the UK and around the globe who are responding and taking action and that’s what we will celebrate at the Great Big Green Week.”
[Read more: Tanzanian farmers use app to save crops]
For Adam and others at the Fairtrade Foundation, the week is a precious moment in which to share the stories of Fair Trade farmers and agricultural workers who are some of the people most impacted by climate change.
“We also want to use it as a rallying cry to get those in power on board and prioritise their needs,” he says. To do this, the Fairtrade Foundation has launched a campaign asking people across the UK to write to their local MP, urging them to “back a fair climate promise for farmers and workers”.
Join the call for action to support farmers and workers here.
Find more information about the Great Big Green Week at greatbiggreenweek.com.
